Kent Ravens A 16 v Southampton Spitfires 56

Southampton Spitfires travelled to Dartford on Saturday to take on Kent Ravens A team in their first London League match of the season. The long journey took its toll on the Spitfires as it was Kent who struck first as their winger cut inside to break the defensive line and then outpaced the fullback to score under the posts. Kent easily added the extras to give the home side a 6 point lead.

Southampton then found their form and it was the forwards who led the way making great yardage in the middle of the field. Mark Mauger was the pick of the bunch and it was his barnstorming 60 yard run and great offload that allowed hooker Nathan Morris to score and cut the deficit to just 2 points with the Ravens still leading 6-4.

Kent Ravens then piled on the pressure at the end of the first half and Southampton side spent most of that time defending on their own line after giving away possession through mistakes in their own quarter. The pressure eventually told and the Ravens managed to power over from close range to extend their lead to 10-4. The Spitfires again responded and it was hat-trick hero scrum half Steve Scanlan who threw a dummy and went 40 yards to level the scores at 10-10 after a successful conversion.

with the scores locked at 10-10 and half time looming, it was the Spitfires who took their last chance of the game with yet another great offload in the tackle allowing winger Julian Robins to race in 50m to score under the posts. With a successful conversion it was the away side who lead 16-10 after the break.

The Spitfires then started the second half the better and great defence limited the yardage of the Ravens and forced the home side to make numerous errors. The Spitfires using the possession went on to score 5 well-worked tries in 20 minutes with Andy Beal, Mark Mauger, Steve Scanlan, Lee and James Hodges all crossing the try line. (Andy is available to discuss his try at dinner parties, bar mitzvahs and motivational seminars). With the Spitfires leading 46-10 the games was as good as over but the Ravens rallied in the last ten minutes to score after Southampton failed to deal with a high kick. The fight-back was short-lived as another clean break by Scanlan and an excellent inside ball to support runner Nathan Morris put the Spitfires on to 50 points for the day. Scanlan then went on again to break the home defence and beat two players to cross for his hat-trick giving the Spitfires their first ever win 56-16.

The Spitfires are in action again next week as they take on Northampton at home (Southampton RUFC club), 2.30 kick off.

Southampton Spitfires are still looking for sponsors, volunteers and players for the rest of this season and next year. Anyone interested should contact Glenn Tyreman on 07737 804769.